Peat Production

 Members of Latvian Peat Producers Association

The total peat land area of Latvia is 698 918 ha representing 10,7% of countries surface area. Peat reserves are more than 1,5 thouthand million tonns or approximately 0,5 % of the world's peat resources. The variety is a characteristic feature of Latvian peat reserves. It represents all types and different characteristic of peat. Therefore it is possible to produce all known types of hifh quality peat products.

 

 Registr.: No. 000801244
Chairman of board Latvian Peat Producers Association:
Valerijs Kozlovs
LATVIAN
PEAT PRODUCERS
ASSOCIATION
IPS Latvian National Committee		 Bauskas iela 20,
Rīga, LV - 1004, Latvia
Tel.: +371 7605096
Fax: +371 7627810
E-mail: peat@peat.lv
All country bogs are determined and characterised in the Peat Fund. The usage of peat resources is according to all environmental restrictions in Latvia and at the international level. Licences should be received before peat extraction.

Peat extraction and utilisation for industrial purposes have taken place in Latvia for many years. Peat products have been exported since 1930s and, therefore, peat deposit development, extraction and utilisation experience is gathered. Currently extraction volume is 0,5 - 0,6 million tons per annum, but extraction volume has trend to increase. All peat production enterprises are privatised, but peat deposits are mostly owned by state municipalities. Peat deposits are rented for peat extraction. The main product types are fuel peat which has been used in the local market and differently prepared fen type peat with low decomposition degree which has been exported and used in local market. Germany and Holland are the biggest importers of Latvian peat.

 Members of Latvian Peat Producers Association:
AS Seda
Valtra INC
SIA Laflora
Premier Tech
AS Misas kūdra
AS Olaines kūdra
SIA Enagro & Ko
SIA Zilākalna kūdra
SIA Kūdras enerģija
SIA PEAT EXPORT
AS Stružānu kūdras fabrika
AS Līvanu kūdras fabrika
 SIA Baltic Bogs
AS BPS Pluss
SIA Galenieki
SIA Florabalt
SIA Gargrode
Šnore Ansis
SIA Ēnavas
SIA T.L.S.
AS Baloži
Serviss AT
SIA Orvi
SIA RHP
SIA LTL
Approximately 25 large and small companies are involved in peat extraction. Peat industry takes the 4th place in table of national industries. The cooperation with foreign companies has increased and western technoligies have been introduced for the production of peat.

In 1996, the largest Latvian peat producers established the Latvian Peat Producers Association. Association members produce 80% of total Latvian peat output. The most complicated kinds of peat products, peat substrata and briquetes, are produced only within the Association. Only Association members can work out peat extraction and recultivation projekts. It is very important that utilisation of peat resources is determined by the state. In 1999 it is forecasted to work out a National program for peat extraction and utilisation in energy sector.

The institutions of European Commitee have showed interest about utilisation of Latvian peat resources. In 1997 within PHARE program in cooperation with experts from Denmark, Ireland, Finland and Latvia the project "Peat Processing and Utilisation in Energy Sector" was worked out.

The goal of the Association of Latvian Peat Producers is rational and effective production and utilisation of Latvian peat resources. We consider reaching this goal a major role in production and trade with foreign partners.

Valerijs Kozlovs

 Chairman of board Latvian Peat Producers Association